Springfield, IL, June 2– As the nation celebrates its 250th birthday and Route 66 marks its centennial anniversary, Springfield’s History Comes Alive is bigger than ever! From historic portrayals at locations like the Lincoln Home Historic Site and the Old State Capitol, to a flag lowering ceremony at the Lincoln Tomb with a civil war infantry, visitors are invited to become part of living history. Experience the power of Lincoln’s words as he delivers his most famous speeches, some from the very spot he first delivered them.
Then discover treasures of the Mother Road- from the art exhibition of Springfield native and Route 66 icon Bob Waldmire, to a neon sign museum tour at Ace Sign Company. Find out how part of the famous highway now rests at the bottom of Lake Springfield on the “Submerged” Boat Tour. And be sure to savor our Route 66 “firsts”, from the original hot dog on a stick to the very first drive-thru in America!
What’s happening this year?
History Cooks: “Route 66 Eats”
Hosted at the Lincoln Home Historic Site, experience the flavors and stories behind the dishes found along Iconic Route 66! In partnership with Lincoln Land Community College’s Culinary School. Fridays at Noon at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, beginning June 6th
Summer Historic Site Trolley
Hop aboard the free trolley to explore our many historic sites and attractions. Available from 11am-5pm Tuesday thru Saturday, this hop-on, hop-off air-conditioned trolley is the perfect way to explore most of our major attractions.
Civil War Flag Lowering Ceremony
Witness a breathtaking flag-lowering ceremony at Lincoln’s Tomb, where the 114th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment commemorates Lincoln’s Legacy through a powerful musket firing and resounding canon salute. Each week a lucky audience member is honored with the presentation of the flag, creating a once in a life time memory. June-August Tuesdays at 7pm
An Evening In Step: An American Folk Dance Experience
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a lively night of music and dance at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. Experience the joy of the old-time dances that brought neighbors together in Lincoln’s day. Fun for all ages! Easy, guided group dances. Historic Dress welcome. Friday, June 26, 6pm-8pm
Living History Nights at the Old State Capitol
Saturdays from 5-7, visitors can experience after hours self-guided tours and 2 incredible stories from 2 different historical figures.
First at 5:30 is Custodian of Freedom: William Butler’s Capitol Story
Discover the remarkable life of William H. Butler; an African American barber, laborer, and custodial caretaker at the Old State Capitol. Beyond his daily work of maintaining the statehouse, Butler risked everything as a station master on the Underground Railroad and as a delegate to Illinois’ first Colored Citizens Convention.
Then at 6:30 Frederick Douglass: Abolitionist & Orator visits Lincoln’s Springfield
Step into Frederick Douglass’s landmark 1866 visit to Springfield—less than a year after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination—when he called on the nation to protect Black citizenship and carry forward Lincoln’s unfinished work.
Route 66 Submerged Boat Tour
Step aboard Route 66 Submerged for a 45 minute interpretive boat tour on Lake Springfield that reveals a hidden chapter of America’s most iconic highway. Beneath the surface lies a stretch of Springfield’s original Route 66 alignment. Guided by a local story teller this tour is offered on Mondays & Fridays through Oct 2nd, tours at 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:30pm. Pre-registration is required. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
Additional weekly special events can be found in the full program at: https://www.
About Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau –
The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCVB) is the official destination marketing organization for the City of Springfield, Illinois. The SCVB markets the capital city as a unique convention, meeting and leisure destination in support of our City, our community and our hospitality partners.
